QuickScale PDF Takeoff – How to Use the Calibration Tool to Find Exact Scale

QuickScale PDF Takeoff – How to Use the Calibration Tool to Find Exact Scale

In order to extract quantities from an Architectural digital drawing or plan, you have to use onscreen digital takeoff software. Architectural plans are usually shared in PDF format, one of the most widely used files, and also the fact that most people have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on their computers to open PDFs means that you should choose a digital takeoff program that works with PDF drawings.

QuickScale Plus is one of the PDF Takeoff software that you can install on your computer to extract quantities from PDF drawings. The procedure for measuring perimeters, areas, volumes and counting objects is very easy and straightforward. When measuring length, you simply draw a line between two points, and the software will automatically calculate, scale and record the actual distance on site. For an area, you simply mark the points and draw lines to complete the shape and get automated quantities.

However, before you draw any lines or shapes, you have to enter the blueprint scale. If the blueprint drawing scale is not provided, you can use the calibration tool to confirm a scale. This is done by drawing a calibration line over a known dimension:

How to Confirm Scale using Calibration Tool

1 – If there is a known dimension or length (A) on your drawing e.g. door width, use the calibration tool to draw a line (B) between the known length.

2 – As soon as you complete the new line (B), you will be prompted to enter the known length (A) on the box that pops up. The program will automatically create and add a new confirmed scale. This will appear in the drop down of the scale tab.